Chapter 1
Revelation
"Kristina. Good luck." Kael greeted me as he arrived. I smiled at him, quickened my pace, and kissed him on the lips. It was as sweet as always.
"Why did you kiss me?" he asked, surprised but with a hint of desire. His grip on my hand tightened.
"Lucky charm," I whispered. "I'll tell you my surprise after my performance."
"What is it?" he furrowed his brow. Some friends nearby had spotted our kiss and one of them couldn't help but shriek.The stage buzzed as the MC spoke. This was a combined dance and singing competition.
"After this performance," I teased.
"Kristina… tell me," he pleaded, his puppy-dog expression making me smile.His eyes begged me. He was losing patience- now he's pouting! I loved him even more for it.
"Later, babe." I gave him another sweet kiss before the organizer pulled me backstage.
Thirty contestants were in this contest… I was tenth. I hated being behind the scenes, especially with Adahlia giving me that sharp glare. She'd told me she wanted to join the singing contest ever since I signed up. I couldn't tell if it was my entry or my issues with her brother. Maybe both. Adahlia was always mad at me. I knew that. By the time nine others had sung, I was trembling. I gulped water because my throat had gone dry- and I panicked when I saw how many people were staring up at me. Then I caught sight of Naize and others cheering with banners. And Kael- smiling directly at me with applause. I was singing my favorite song, "Rise Up."
Holding the mic, the whole stage disappeared- except Kael. I focused on him as though we were alone in that crowd. When the chorus hit, I closed my eyes to feel the harmony. Then I opened them and looked straight at Kael. I dedicated it to him- but mostly to myself. I hoped to lift my own darkness. I wanted him by my side for the rest of my life. The song ended and joy filled my mind. I hit a low note- no Charice-style powerhouse voice here- then stepped down. Kael rushed to meet me, arms open, and I couldn't help but smile.
"Kael," I said. I leaned in to hug him, but someone cut in.
"Kael. Hi!" Zeldee said, glancing at me before turning back to him.
"Zeldee," Kael replied, looking over at me. "It's been a while. How are you?"
"I'm fine," she tucked her hair behind her ear. I couldn't lift the corner of my mouth- just watched them, jealous."Kristina… your performance was amazing… but trust me, my sister will be the winner," she taunted. Her sister was indeed a contestant, but I never saw this as a rivalry.
"That's fine. She's talented," I replied, though I didn't actually want to speak.
"Oh!" she laughed. "Speaking of surprises…" she hushed herself. "Kael, have you noticed anything strange about your girlfriend?"My chest tightened. My parted lips trembled; my heart was drumming like a rock song. What the- Oh my God.
"She's cold, taking distances sometimes… her behavior isn't normal… Don't you find it suspicious?" She raised an eyebrow. I gaped, confused, and my stomach was twisting.
"Zeldee, stop," I managed, my voice shaky. I hurried to Kael's side and gripped his shoulder so we faced her together.Despite the loud music, Zeldee's words cut through clearly- like the thoughts racing in my mind. I knew this would happen. She was setting me up now.
"Chill, girl," she mocked. "Let his face have a moment of calm."I was speechless. What could I do?
"So, Kael. Don't you feel anything?"
"Nope. And if you're just here to tease her and turn her against me, it won't work." Kael's voice was firm. He sheltered me behind him, and I clung to his hand.I felt relieved that he was on my side- but my eyes brimmed with tears. I was terrified that someone might discover the secret I'd been carrying- and of all people, it had to be her! Zeldee already knew my secret!
"Ouch!" she feigned clutching her chest. "After everything we shared? This is how you treat me as a friend?! You should at least hear me out!"
"Go on," Kael said seriously, letting her speak. I clenched my fist inside his shirt to stop him- but Kael didn't notice. He was curious for her revelation. A single tear fell. My knees shook with dread. I squeezed Kael's hand.
"Okay. Did you know your girlfriend is cheating on you?"
"What?" Kael's voice cracked. I gripped his hand tighter, but he couldn't look at me.
"Zeldee! What are you saying?" I shouted. I acted clueless, though I knew her plan. I wanted to tell him first- explain everything myself, before she twisted the story.
"Wow! You're so d*mb*ss! Wait, I have something to show you," she said, drawing her cellphone.
"Kael. Don't believe her," I shook my head, tears in my eyes. But Kael turned the phone toward me. Zeldee smirked as the music thumped louder. She tapped the screen and played a video. My eyes widened, and even amid the cheering crowd, her phone's audio was clear.
"Kristina, what are they saying? Tell me! Is it true?" I heard my grandmother's voice on the recording.I tried to snatch the phone, but Zeldee pulled away—making me look guilty. I recognized the location—it was the cemetery. But why did Zeldee have this footage? My chest tightened. I replayed the video and froze with dread at what I realized would come next.
"Grandma," I whispered in the clip, holding her hands.My mouth fell open and tears streamed down my face. Kael remained silent as I trembled, gripping his hand. Then I felt my legs give out and sank against his hip.I am doomed.
"Kristina, is it true!?" my grandmother urged the video.
"Grandma… It's true," my voice cracked. My hand covered my mouth. I shook my head and closed my eyes—but nothing changed. Kael was still watching the damned video.
"Oh my God." Grandma gasped, her earring glittering. I held onto Kael's hand so tightly my knuckles ached.
"I was going to tell you, but—" I couldn't finish as my grandma slapped me hard across the face.The pain brought back every hurt I'd endured. All the focus fell on Zeldee's phone, as though it were the most important thing Kael needed to see to know my life's truth- without me even speaking first. I wanted to recoil, but the blow landed on my chest—I couldn't escape. Damn. I cursed inwardly, hoping Kael would understand.I wanted him to stay. I wanted him to forgive me. In the end, I had no sin—I never asked for this. I didn't know where it all began. So much had changed, and more was sure to come. I was terrified I couldn't survive if Kael didn't forgive me. I couldn't live without him.
"How dare you!" I wept at Grandma's words and the slap. "You loved… a poor, and trash guy?!" My heart pounded faster than ever.
"Grandma!"
"You're going home to Manila. Next week! You'll marry Naiel there! Stay away from here!"
"Grandma, how many times do I have to tell you? I don't like your plan!"
"That's not the point! I'm talking about your illegal relationship!"
"Kael isn't illegal, Grandma!" I defended in the video.
"So you admit there's something between you two. Huh?"
"Grandma—"
"Do you know why I entrusted our company to you?"
I didn't answer her.
"Because I didn't want your aunt to hold it. She fell for a lowborn man too- like you and Kael. What did she gain? Nothing!"
"Grandma, let me be free! I hate this!" The video ended and silence fell. My voice was muted. It felt unreal, but it happened.
"See?!" Zeldee shouted.Slowly, I turned to face Kael, tears in my eyes. It happened. It really did. I didn't know what to do. My chest is constricted. How could I explain when Zeldee blurted out everything I planned to say to Kael?
"Kristina? Is this true?" he looked at me. I dropped my hand from his. My strength drained as his friends approached. I closed my eyes and let the tears fall before I could speak.
"Yes," I whispered.
How many lies must I tell to make things right?
We used to be Kael and I, together. We were "lovers" even though I was supposed to marry someone else.